Diminished impact

It may not be common knowledge here, or anywhere for that matter because I keep information about myself fairly private, but here's the thing, I like to grow stuff.

I have a vegetable garden and fruit trees - I call it an orchard but it's probably smaller than what a true fruit tree orchard should be - and I grow flowers and other plants; it's something I've been into from a young age thanks to the influence of my parents and the fact I come from a small rural town in Australia where growing our own things was commonplace. I picked up something new a little while ago and have been growing them patiently waiting for them to flower...ok, not so fucken patiently if I'm truthful. Anyway, they flowered finally, sort of anyway, and there's still more to come.

These are Japanese Hydrangeas, the Ajisai, a very beautiful flower that comes in many colours but mine are pink; interestingly, the colour is closely linked to the levels of aluminum ions in the soil. It's said, the pink colours represent happiness, love, warmth and sincere feelings and considering I bought these for someone special in my life who also makes me feel those things I guess it all worked out perfectly.

I decided to take a few photos recently even though the blooms were not full-formed; I liked the contrast between the open flowers and the buds.

I know my photos are rather shite but that's ok, the flowers themselves are splendid and that's what matters to me, I'm not at all bothered by the diminished impact my photos have on them.

Have you ever grown flowers especially for someone special to you? There's something quite nice about tending to something, giving it attention and care, nurturing it, with the thought of making it as beautiful as possible for the person who will receive it and that's what I've done. Despite the diminished impact through my photos of these flowers they have had the desired effect on that special person I'd hoped they would and for me...well, I've also enjoyed tending them.